Cover, and method for using same

ABSTRACT

Through-hole provided in the substantially central portion of the cover has a thinness that can be stretched when pulled. It is formed to have such a size that the head of a wearer can tautly pass through it, and when the head passes through it, the cover comes to drape over the abdomen and the back of the wearer, and when the abdomen side is lifted up to expose the face of the wearer protruding from the through-hole, the periphery of the through-hole stretches further and adheres to the skin around the face of the wearer from along the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead. Thus, for applying a general hair medicant, such as hair dye or treatment, the cover is a multi-purpose cape which encases the hair with adhering hair medicant, and easily enwraps the hair in its entirety.

TECHNICAL AREAS

As for the present invention and its related method of use, when ageneral hair medicant is being applied to the hair, it becomes a capethat covers the upper half of the body, and after the general hairmedicant has been applied, it becomes an innovative cover that canretain heat and moisture for the hair in its entirety and prevent thegeneral hair medicant from drying out.

When beauty salons or barber shops apply general hair medicants, such asperms, hair treatments, hair colorings, and the like, the hair treatedwith the general medicant is covered with a hair cap or a film wrap usedfor food packaging. This is to prevent the general hair medicant fromdrying out and to keep the hair warm and moist, thereby promoting thepenetrating effect of the medicant.

However, when individuals dye their hair at home, haircaps and filmwraps are rarely used. Therefore, since general hair medicants appliedto the hair dry out, and sufficient heat retention and moisture do notoccur, in the case of hair-coloring agents, chemical changes may beinconsistent, resulting in uneven dying or uneven color. Further, duringthe wait time needed for dyeing chemical agents to take effect, there isrisk that hair coloring agents stain the user's surroundings.Furthermore, the unique irritating odor of hair coloring agents maycause nausea.

Further, when applying a hair-coloring agent, to prevent it fromadhering to clothing, users typically wear a dedicated cape, however,even in this case, the hair to which the hair medicant had been appliedis exposed, so there is a risk that the hair medicant may stain clothesor the surrounding area. In cases that the user is uncomfortable withthe risk, the hair-coloring agent is used in the bathroom, but if itadheres to the body, it may stain the skin for several days, and what ismore, if it adheres to the bathtub, walls, or the like, there areproblems that the stain is unremovable.

Against this background, the following technical report will disclosevarious hair caps that have been invented, but they are not yetestablished for home use, beauty salons, or the like, and almost nonehave been put to practical use.

On the one hand, when beauty salons or barber shops use hair caps,because one that contains elastic is widely stretched to cover the hairto which a general hair medicant has been applied, the hair dresser'stask is made more difficult. In particular, if a hair dye adheres to theperiphery of the hair cap, it may come into contact with the customer'sskin, so in order to avoid the periphery of the cap from touching thehair, the elastic of the cap must be stretched by hand as widely aspossible, which is extremely difficult for one person to do, andsometimes help from others is necessary. Moreover, because the hair capis put on the head from above, when putting it on, it is difficult toput all the hair inside the hair cap, and often after the cap is put onthe head, hair that must be put inside the cap protrudes from the edgeof the cap, and this causes annoyance.

Further, when removing a used covered hair cap, due to the expansion andcontraction of the elastic cord, the general hair medicant adhering tothe hair cap may splash and scatter, and may adhere to the customer'sfacial area or clothes. In addition, the elastic cord that closes thegathers of the hair cap bites into the skin, making the customer feeluncomfortable and left with marks. Because of these circumstances,recently the hair has been covered with a film wrap for food packaging.However, in this case as well, the following kinds of problems have beenpointed out.

As for film wrap, by using the adhesive force of the film wrap itself,the film wrap, which wrapping around the head prevents a general hairmedicant from drying, performs poorly at heat insulation. So, whenexposed to cool or warm breezes from indoor heating or air-conditioningequipment, the tightly adhering parts may be partially cooled or warmed,and the effectiveness of the general hair medicant can becomeinconsistent. Therefore, from above the film wrap, infrared rays areemitted or an infrared cap is placed on the head.

Further, since film wrap is self-adhesive, when film wrap is pulled andcut from a film roll, unless the four corners of the film wrap are held,it folds up on itself and becomes unusable. Because of this, whenwrapping the head with stretched film wrap, if hair is draping down fromthe hairline, it is not possible for one person to wrap the hair andalso gather up the draping hair, thus, requiring help from others.Furthermore, when wrapping the head with film wrap, as with the haircap, it is necessary to firmly tighten the part around the hairline toprevent the film wrap from slipping and the general hair medicant fromdripping on the face. However, the film wrap can lose its self-adhesiveforce and become loose when water or liquid arising from a chemicalreaction of the general hair medicant penetrates the tight seam. As aresult, because of the weight of the medicant the film wrap can slip offthe head.

Further, in beauty salons, in order to confirm and assess thepenetration effect of a general hair medicant, the film wrap enwrappingthe head is partially opened and the hair exposed. At this time also,the film wrap may lose its self-adhesive strength and fall off the head.If this happens unexpectedly, the general hair medicant may accidentallysplash and scatter onto the customer and the surroundings.

Also, the same precautions should be taken when removing the film wrapat the shampoo station.

PRIOR TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

-   [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application    Publication (JP-A) No. 2001-314224-   [Patent Document 2] JP-A-2002-320516-   [Patent Document 3] JP-A-2003-093136-   [Patent Document 4] JP-A-2003-070525-   [Patent Document 5] JP-A-2003-189924-   [Patent Document 6] JP-A-2005-194678-   [Patent Document 7] JP-A-2006-255266-   [Patent Document 8] JP-A-2009-007692-   [Patent Document 9] JP-A-2013-162897-   [Patent Document 10] JP-A-2016-028667-   [Patent Document 11] Japanese Examined Utility Model (Registration)    Application Publication No. Sho 49-66636-   [Patent document 12] Japanese Examined Utility Model (Registration)    Application Publication No. Hei 1-149718

OUTLINE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

As for the present invention, it solves all of the aforementionedproblems with one device: when such general hair medicants as haircoloring agents or treatment agents are being applied, it becomes acape, and after such general hair medicants have been applied, itbecomes an innovative cover in which treated hair can easily beenwrapped, and herein is documented the device and its method of use.

Detailed Description of the Means for Solving the Problems

In what follows, the structure of the cover according to the presentinvention and the method of using the cover are explained with referenceto figures and drawings.

<Basic Form 1 of the Cover>

As for a defining characteristic of the cover of the present invention,it is formed from a thin synthetic resin sheet that can be stretched byhand, and on the centerline along the longitudinal direction of which athrough-hole of a size that allows the head of a wearer to tautly passthrough is formed, and when the head of the wearer is passed through thethrough-hole, it becomes a cover large enough to drape over at leastboth shoulders and the abdomen, and in that state over the shoulders,the back part of the cover is left to drape as is, and when the frontpart of the cover that drapes over the abdomen is lifted and from theaforementioned through-hole the face of the wearer is exposedprotruding, the aforementioned through-hole becomes a through-hole thattautly stretches along the facial periphery of the wearer reaching alongthe nape, under the ears, to along the forehead; what's more, the partof the aforementioned cover that is lifted from the abdomen to cover thehair, retains a size that can enwrap the hair in its entirety.

This cover is made from a thin synthetic resin sheet that stretches whenpulled by hand. Specifically, it is a non-water-absorbent sheet made ofpolyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or similar material used to makeplastic bags and the like. A sheet made of this material can bestretched by hand more than 5 times, but to pass the head through athrough-hole formed in a cover and expose the face protruding from thethrough-hole, thin sheets of 0.05 mm or less are preferred. Further, thepulled-through through-hole becomes thin and adheres tautly to the skin,but considering the adhesiveness and the tightening force at that time,a thin sheet having a thickness of, for example, 0.03 mm to 0.015 mm ispreferable.

In the case that the cover formed from this sheet is to have thefunction of a cape for preventing spills or smudges, it is to be madelarge enough to cover at least both the abdomen and the back of thewearer. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the width L1 is 50 cm to 90cm, and the length L2 is 70 cm to 100 cm, being a substantialquadrangle, and as for through-hole 2, it occupies a substantial centralportion of the centerline CL along the horizontal direction of cover 1.

Further, in the case that the cover is worn as a cape for preventingspills or smudges, the cover is large enough to drape over both theshoulders and abdomen of the wearer as a good apron. In this case, asshown in FIG. 2 , a width L1 of about 50 cm and length L2 of about 70 cmare sufficient. Again, the through-hole 2 is formed near one end of thecenterline CL. In this case, the shortest distance ML between the outeredge of cover 1 and the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 may be alength such that through-hole 2 is not torn even if stretched, forexample, from 7 cm to 10 cm.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3 , if length LL of cover 1 that drapes overthe front of the wearer is extended from 90 cm to 100 cm, then whencover 1 is worn, hem 1 a, as shown in FIG. 4 , can be spread over tableT, and mirror M, the general hair medicant N, and the like, can beplaced on top, and the hair can be dyed.

The size of the through-holes 2 provided in these covers 1 is such thatthe wearer's head can tautly pass through them. For example, when cover1 made of a plastic bag is stretched 5 times or more when pulled, forexample, in the case of a 53 cm circumference, the circumference ofthrough-hole 2 is set at about 38 cm, then, when the head passes throughsmall through-hole 2, through-hole 2 spreads and fits around the neck,but does not return to its original size. In this example, a thinplastic bag of thickness 0.02 mm was tested, but if cover 1 is madethicker, the size of through-hole 2 needs to be increased. For example,in case cover 1 is formed of a 0.04 mm plastic bag, if the perimeter ofthrough-hole 2 is expanded to about 40 cm, with a resistance of aboutthe same as a thinness of 0.03 mm, the head can be tautly passed throughsmall through-hole 2.

When cover 1 of FIG. 1 is put on, then after the head is passed throughthrough-hole 2, centerline CL of cover 1 faces away from the front andback of the wearer. When so done, as shown in FIG. 5 , cover 1 can drapeover the upper half of the body, not including both arms of the wearer.As a result, cover 1 becomes a cape that prevents spills or smudges whena general hair medicant is being applied to the hair. Further, when longcover 1 of FIG. 3 is worn, then as described previously, after the headis passed through through-hole 2, the long portion of the cover drapesover the abdomen and, hem 1 a, as shown in FIG. 4 , spreads over tableT. Thereby, even if the general hair medicant spills on table T, thenhem 1 a can function as a stain prevention sheet for table T. Further,when short cover 1 of FIG. 2 is worn, cover 1 of FIG. 2 is worn on topof a worn dedicated cape.

After cover 1 is worn in this manner, the hair is treated with a generalhair medicant, and then, as shown in FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 , the back portionis left to drape as is, and only the front portion that drapes over theabdomen is lifted and the wearer's face exposed protruding throughthrough-hole 2. When done, the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 furtherstretches as shown in FIG. 8 , and tautly adheres to the facialperiphery of the wearer from along the nape, under the ears, to alongthe forehead.

At this stage, since only the front cover portion that drapes over theabdomen is lifted to expose the face protruding outward, as shown inFIG. 9 , the nape side of through-hole 2 stretches and becomes a bundle,and the front side of through-hole 2 is widened by the facial pushing,and as shown in FIG. 8 , in a state of an expanding plane retains tautadherence to the skin of the facial periphery. At this time, thetightening force of through-hole 2 is not so strong as to causediscomfort, but stretched and thinned continues to tautly adhere to theskin with appropriate strength and with appropriate width. Therefore,even if water arises from a chemical reaction of a mixed general hairmedicant and drips, because the peripheral edge of through-hole 2retains taut adherence to the skin, it can prevent the hair medicantliquid from dripping on the face or nape.

On the other hand, conventional hair caps have gathers with elasticcords at the edges along the hairline, and because the gathers arepressed against the hairline by the tightening force of the elasticcords, in order to prevent general hair medicants or the like fromleaking from the seam, it is necessary to tighten the gathers with astrong force that typically causes discomfort. However, with the presentinvention, given that through-hole 2 is formed of a thin synthetic resinsheet that can be stretched by hand, from taut adherence to the facialperiphery from facial pushing, there is no discomfort as like that ofthe cap, and from the periphery of through-hole 2, no leaking out of ageneral hair medicant liquid.

As for the shape of through-hole 2, it is preferably the shape of across-section of the head, but because the peripheral edge ofthrough-hole 2 may be flexibly stretched, may be circular or oval, forexample, but the shape of through-hole 2 at end use, as shown in FIG. 9, may be a small shape similar to the shape of the facial periphery ofthe wearer extending from the nape, under the ears, to along theforehead.

Further, in preparation for mass production, as shown in FIG. 10 , bylinearly slitting a predetermined width and forming small round holes 2a at both its ends, through-hole 2 may be formed. Small holes 2 a, whenthe head is passed through through-hole 2 made by a slit straight line,prevent both ends of through-hole 2 from tearing. Further, as indicatedby numeral 2 b of FIG. 11 , from the substantially central portion ofthrough-hole 2 toward side edge 2 c a straight short cut is made, andthe cut portion 2 b can partially overlap and be joined by an adhesivetape or the like, and the periphery of through-hole 2 can be freelyadjusted. When this shape cover 1 is worn as a cape, the cut portion 2 bis opened, and the periphery of through-hole 2 is wrapped around theneck and closed. If the closed cut portion 2 b is joined by an elasticadhesive tape, or an adhesive agent, or the like, the cut portion 2 bfits along the ridgeline of the wearer's shoulders, as shown in FIG. 6 ,FIG. 7 , and when the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2 bylifting up the front portion of cover 1, and the closed cut portion 2 bcovers the ears, from the cut portion 2 b there is no leaking out of ageneral hair medicant liquid.

<Invention of the Method of Use of the Cover of Basic Form 1>

It is a defining characteristic of the above covers 1 that when theabove covers 1 are used, first, the head of the wearer is passed throughthrough-hole 2 of cover 1, and as shown in FIG. 5 . the covers 1 coverat least both the shoulders and the abdomen of the wearer, and in thatstate, a general hair medicant is applied to the wearer's hair.Following that, by lifting the front cover portion that drapes over theabdomen to expose the face of the wearer protruding through thethrough-hole, the periphery of the aforementioned through-hole tautlyadheres to the facial periphery of the wearer, from the nape, under theears, to along the forehead, and the front cover portion lifted from theabdomen and the rear cover portion that drapes over both shoulders canenwrap the hair in its entirety.

To explain more specifically, when using long cover 1 shown in FIG. 1and FIG. 3 , first, cover 1 is unfolded and the head is passed throughthrough-hole 2, and it should be so oriented that the long cover portioncovers the abdomen of the wearer. In the case of short cover 1 shown inFIG. 2 , cover 1 is worn on top of a dedicated cape draping over theabdomen, and in this state, a hair dye or treatment can be applied.Since the sides of the shoulders of the wearer are unencumbered, thewearer can raise both arms and apply a general hair medicant to thehair, even doing so alone.

After the application of the general hair medicant is finished, bylifting forward the draping abdominal portion of cover 1 (hereinafter,this portion is referred to as the front cover portion), the face isexposed protruding from through-hole 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 , the rear peripheral edge of through-hole 2 is aligned withthe nape, and by lifting the front cover portion upward and forward, theface is exposed protruding from through-hole 2 by facial pushing. As aresult, the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 aligned with the napebecomes a fulcrum, and from there the peripheral edge of through-hole 2stretches, and as shown in FIG. 8 , FIG. 9 , tautly adheres to thefacial periphery of the wearer from along the nape, under the ears, toalong the forehead. The tightening force of through-hole 2 at this timeis not so strong as to cause discomfort, but is tautly stretched aroundthe face with appropriate strength and with appropriate width. Then, asshown in FIG. 9 , the front cover portion lifted from the abdomen andthe cover portion lifted from the rear side are bundled above the head,and the bundled portion, as shown in FIG. 12 , is clipped and enwrapsthe hair in its entirety.

In the case of short cover 1 of FIG. 2 , it may be used in combinationwith cover 1 mentioned below in FIG. 25 or FIG. 34 , or it may be usedalone. When used alone, a length LL from the end of through-hole 2 tohem 1 a of about 60 cm, a lateral width L1 of about 90 cm to 1 m, and alength ML of the rear cover portion of 10 cm to 30 cm is sufficient. Towrap it, the front cover portion is lifted and the face is exposedprotruding from through-hole 2, and the cover portion draping over bothshoulders is lifted towards the top of the head and crumpled, thennaturally the rear portion of the cover will cover from the nape to theback of the head, then, the front side of the cover will cover it.After, both edges of hem 1 a of the front side of the cover drapingbackward are tied by pulling them from the nape upward and toward theforehead. By doing so, even short cover 1 of FIG. 2 can enwrap the hairin its entirety while containing air. Further, as FIG. 4 shows, when itis desired to have the function of covering table T, length LL fromthrough-hole 2 to the hem may be extended to about 1 m, as shown in FIG.3 . The wrapping method at this time is the same as that describedabove, but in the state that the front cover portion 1 a is doubled overon itself, the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, andafter, as described previously, the doubled front side of the coverportion covers the head, and both edges of the rear part of the coverportion are pulled toward the forehead and tied. When done, more air iscontained, and heat and moisture retention can be enhanced.

Further, when table T is covered with long cover 1 having hem 1 a ofFIG. 3 , hem 1 a spread over table T is lifted and folded over itselfand can be stacked on the chest portion of the cover. By doing so, evenif cover 1 spread over table T is dirtied by a general hair medicant orthe like, by stacking it on the chest, it is possible to trap the grimeof the general hair medicant and the like between the chest portion ofthe cover and hem 1 a of the cover. Then, as described previously, thefront cover portion that drapes over the abdomen is lifted to expose theface protruding from through-hole 2, then crumpled and put on the head.Then, when the back-side portion of the cover is lifted from the backand put on top of it, and the peripheral edges of the front and rearcover portions overlapping vertically close, the hair in its entiretycan be softly enwrapped. Further, in addition to this, it can beenwrapped as described previously and shown in FIG. 9 .

When enwrapping the hair, if air is included between cover 1 and thehair to which a general hair medicant h as been applied, the inside ofcover 1 can be kept warm and moist, and the penetrating effect of thegeneral hair medicant can be enhanced. For example, in the case of cover1 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 , if the front portion is lifted upward from theabdomen and crumpled and bundled on top of the head, and then the rearside of the cover is put on top of it, then air is contained in thecrumpled part, and, what's more, because air is contained between it andthe cover portion on top, the air inside the cover shuts out effectsfrom the outside air, and the heat from the scalp maintains the warmthand moisture inside cover 1. In addition, air circulation arises incover 1, and in this way makes the hair temperature uniform, and as aresult, the effectivity of the general hair medicant becomes uniform,and the general hair medicant is prevented from drying out. Further,since the hair is covered by cover 1 in an encased state, any pungentodor of the general hair medicant can be entrapped.

In this way, when the hair in its entirety is enwrapped, the peripheryof through-hole 2 tautly adheres to the facial periphery, and as thefront and rear portions of the cover are turned outside in, there is noadhering general hair medicants and the like, and when removing clothesthat do not open in the front, such as T-shirts, even if the collars ofthe shirts touch cover 1, no general hair medicant will adhere to theshirts, and when a shirt is removed, cover 1 will not be removed withit. Therefore, when hair is dyed at home, even if a button-down blouseis forgotten to be worn, a T-shirt can be removed without fuss.

The above wrapping method is a wrapping method for a hairstyle in whichthe hair is not shoulder-length, however, in the case of shoulder-lengthor longer hairstyles, a slightly longer cover 1 that can coverlong-draping hair should be used. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13 , therear portion left draping over the back and the front portion of thecover lifted up from the abdomen and pulled toward the back, and thenalso draping over the back, can sandwich the wearer's hair.Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 14 , for example, after both sides of theoverlapping front and rear portions of the cover are folded at thecenter, and then the lower end portion of draping cover 1 is lifted upand bundled on the head as shown in FIG. 15 , the bundled portion isheld fast with a clip or the like. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16 ,the lower end of cover 1 that drapes down over the back is lifted up tothe head and, as shown in FIG. 17 , both the left and right ends held inthe hands can be tied under the chin. Alternatively, the lower end ofcover 1 that drapes over the back may be lifted to the shoulders, asshown in FIG. 18 , and the shoulders covered as by a shawl, and bothends may be tied at the throat. In this way, the hair draping over theback can be enwrapped by cover 1.

<Basic Form 2 of the Cover>

It is a defining characteristic of the cover shown below that, given thecover of Basic Form 1, in one of either of the cover portions thatseparately drapes over the abdomen or the back of the wearer, a bag withan opened upper section is formed, and as for this bag portion, evenwhile the periphery of the previously described through-hole tautlyadheres to the facial periphery of the wearer from the nape, under theears, to along the forehead, it retains a size large enough to enwrapthe hair in its entirety.

Specifically, as for this cover 1, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 ,when the head is passed through through-hole 2 formed in cover 1,separately draping down over the abdomen and the back of the wearer,then in one of either, a bag portion 3 (as illustrated in FIG. 20 ) isprovided with an opened upper section 30 and a draping portion 4 (asillustrated in FIG. 19 ) is provided. This bag portion 3 and drapingportion 4, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 , is to have a size largeenough to cover at least both shoulders and the abdomen of the wearer.In addition, as mentioned previously and in the same way, after the headis passed through through-hole 2, and either portion 4 draping over theabdomen or bag portion 3 is lifted up, as shown in FIG. 21 , and theface of the wearer is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, as in FIG.22 and FIG. 23 , the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 continues totautly adhere to the facial periphery of the wearer, from along thenape, under the ears, to along the forehead. From this state, if eitherbag portion 3 draping over the back or draping portion 4 is lifted up,and bag portion 3 is made to cover draping portion 4, as FIG. 24 shows,then bag portion 3 can softly enwrap the hair in its entirety. Heresoftly enwrap means retains the air in bag portion 3 without compressingcover 1 against the hair.

As for cover 1 of this form, when flattened, as shown in FIG. 25 , bagportion 3 becomes a triangular bag, and open portion 30 becomes the basethereof, and draping portion 4 continues from the edge of open portion30, and in the central portion of the boundary between bag portion 3 anddraping portion 4 through-hole 2 is formed. In cover 1 of FIG. 25 , theheight of bag portion 3 and the length of draping portion 4 aresubstantially the same, however, draping portion 4 can be shorter orlonger than bag portion 3. Further, although flat bag portion 3 has asubstantially triangular shape, with a cut apex it has a trapezoidalshape, however, it can also have a square shape. Also in this cover 1,through-hole 2 is formed in a size that tautly fits the head of thewearer.

<Invention of Method of Use of the Cover of Basic Form 2>

It is a defining characteristic of the form of this cover, that when thecover of this form is used, before a general hair medicant is applied tothe hair, open portion 30 of the previously mentioned bag portion 3faces upward, and in this state the head is passed through through-hole2, and one of either bag portion 3 or draping portion 4 drapes over theabdomen of the wearer and the other portion drapes over the back of thewearer, thereby covering the upper half of the body of the wearer.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 , with open portion 30 ofbag portion 3 facing upward, the head is passed through through-hole 2,with bag portion 3 on the back and draping portion 4 draping over theabdomen. However, the reverse arrangement is also possible. In eitherarrangement, bag portion 3 and draping portion 4, with either drapingover the front or the back of the wearer, are to have a size that coversat least both shoulders and the abdomen of the wearer. Therefore, whenusing cover 1 with a shorter draping portion 4, it is advisable to weara dedicated cape under cover 1.

To continue, when a general hair medicant is being applied to the hair,at that time, even when the user bends forward and applies it, if bagportion 3 is draped over the abdomen, then any spills of the medicantcan be caught. Further, in the case of long hair, bag portion 3 candrape over the back and used to hold the long hair for the general hairmedicant to be applied. However, while through-hole 2 is around the neckof the wearer, cover 1 can be freely rotated around through-hole 2 as acenter, so whether or not bag portion 3 is arranged over the abdomen orthe back, the appropriate selection depends on the preference of thewearer. What's more, as for bag portion 3 which becomes an invertedtriangular pyramid when worn, as will be described later, either bagportion 3 covers draping portion 4 covering the hair or, left to drapeover the back, together with draping portion 4 covers the hair in itsentirety, and more easily than the previously described Form 1 of cover1, it can cover the hair in its entirety. What's more, since either bagportion 3 that covers the head or bag portion 3 that drapes over theback, has an air reservoir at the apex portion like a triangular hat,cover 1 is excellent for heat retention.

It is a defining characteristic herein that after a general hairmedicant has been applied, while either one or other of bag portion 3 ordraping portion 4 that is draping over the abdomen is lifted upward andforward, the face of the wearer is exposed protruding from through-hole2, and the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 tautly adheres to thefacial periphery of the wearer, from along the nape, under the ears, andto along the forehead and, continuing, with bag portion 3 and drapingportion 4 lifted onto the head, in a state containing air with the hair,the hair is enwrapped in its entirety.

Specifically, with cover 1 itself, or in the state cover 1 is worn overa dedicated cape for preventing spillage, when a given application ofhair dye or hair treatment is finished, as shown in FIG. 21 , drapingportion 4 draped over the abdomen is lifted up and the face is exposedprotruding from through-hole 2. Further, in the reverse arrangement, bagportion 3 over the abdomen is lifted up and the face is exposedprotruding from through-hole 2, and after, as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG.23 , the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 continues to tautly adhere tothe face of the wearer, along the nape, under the ears, and to alongforehead. At this time, the tightening force of through-hole 2 is not sostrong as to cause discomfort, but has appropriate strength andappropriate width to continue tautly adhering to the facial periphery ofthe wearer, as mentioned earlier. It should be noted that FIG. 22 andFIG. 23 show the version in which the head is covered with drapingportion 4 draping over the abdomen.

To continue, draping portion 4 lifted up from the abdomen and crumpledat the top of the head and covering it, and on top of it, as shown inFIG. 23 and FIG. 24 , bag portion 3 is lifted up from the back to coverit. In the reverse case, as shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 , drapingportion 4 lifted up from the back, crumpled and covering the head, andon top of it, bag portion 3 is lifted up from the abdomen to cover it.In this way, the point is to softly enwrap the hair in its entirety withcrumpled draping portion 4 covering the head, covered by bag portion 3.As a result, air is contained not only within the crumpled drapingportion 4, but also between draping portion 4 and bag portion 3 coveringdraping portion 4, so that inside of cover 1, as described above, warmthand moisture are retained to promote the penetrating effect of a generalhair medicant.

Further, instead of covering crumpled draping portion 4 with bag portion3, air can be contained in cover 1 by the following method. For example,in cover 1 shown in FIG. 25 , when bag portion 3 is placed on the backand the face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, as shown in FIG.28 , because of the state in which head H protrudes from through-hole 2provided at the bottom of the boat, then if the edge of the frontdraping portion 4 and, as shown in FIG. 28 , the left and right upperedge portions E of cover 1 are overlapped and closed, and the closedupper edge portion E is twisted to make a bulge in cover 1, then, asshown in FIG. 29 , cover 1 can contain air. Thus, as shown in FIG. 30 ,when the twisted tip portion is held fast by clip F, the hair to which ageneral hair medicant has been applied can be softly enwrapped in itsentirety in a state in which cover 1 contains air.

Further, in FIG. 30 , the twisted tip portion is held fast by clip F,however, instead of using clip F, as shown in FIG. 31 , on the back sideof draping portion 4 touching the abdomen, in other words, the side thatbecomes the front side of draping portion 4 when it is lifted up overthe head, a loop-shaped stopper 8 is provided, and if the tipped-portionin FIG. 29 pulled by the fingers is inserted in stopper 8, so it becomesdifficult to remove the tipped portion from stopper 8, then it can beused as a substitute for clip F of FIG. 30 . As for stopper 8, it isattached to the back side of draping portion 4 as a tunnel-shaped bandwhen draping portion 4 is used as a cape. It should be noted that theposition and size of stopper 8 and the direction of the loop, is notlimited to the position and direction shown in FIG. 31 .

Further, when hem 1 a of draping portion 4 shown in FIG. 31 islengthened, and as shown in FIG. 4 , in the case that hem 1 a of drapingportion 4 is spread over table T, when hem 1 a of draping portion 4spread over table T is lifted up and overlapping draping portion 4 onthe chest, or left in that state, as shown in FIG. 21 , and drapingportion 4 is lifted up to expose the face protruding from through-hole2, and it is crumpled and made to cover the head, then if bag portion 3on the back is lifted up to cover it, the hair in its entirety can besoftly enwrapped, as shown in FIG. 24 . In this case, the crumpleddraping portion 4 swells to a size approximately twice, so if bagportion 3 covers it, a thicker air layer is formed between cover 1 andthe hair, and heat retention and moisturizing effects can be furtherenhanced.

Further, as described above, in the case of hair dyes used at home, justas in the case of professionals, since many are made for dyeing withoutusing caps or film wraps, after bag portion 3 is lifted up from theabdomen and covering the head, as shown in FIG. 32 , even if just boththe left and right ends of 3 d draping over the shoulders in FIG. 32 aretied under the chin, then any pungent odor can be entrapped by cover 1,as well as warmth and moisture, as shown in FIG. 33 . In this case, theperipheral edge of through-hole 2 tautly adheres to the forehead, andfrom there bag portion 3 stands up and covers the hair, then as shown inFIG. 33 , when bag portion 3 has contact with the cheeks, air can becontained within upper tip portion 3 t of bag portion 3 and portion 31along the hairline. So, in the case of dyeing hair at home, even if bagportion 3 covers the head and the inside of cover 1 is kept in a closedstate, the internal air layer keeps the hair warm and moist, and thehair temperature is uniform, and as a result, it is possible to preventirregular dyeing, color, or the like, and perform dyeing withoutinconsistency. What's more, in the case of dyeing gray hair, by gentlypressing the hairline portion from the top of cover 1, a general hairmedicant can be brought into close contact with gray hair which easilyrepels medicants, and this state can be maintained, so parts of the hairwhose dyeing are of concern can also be dyed without failure orinconsistency. Further, even in the case that a professional hairmedicant for use at beauty salons or barber shops is used, even if atappropriate room temperature for the medicant, and there are no effectsof breeze from air conditioning, given this method of use, the inside ofcover 1 can create an environment that is sufficient to allow thegeneral hair medicant to penetrate.

Further, as for cover 1, it does not cover from above like conventionalhair caps, but from the state in which bag portion 3 and draping portion4 are worn like a cape, one or the other of bag portion 3 or drapingportion 4 that is draping over the abdomen is lifted up to expose theface protruding from through-hole 2, and the peripheral edge ofthrough-hole 2 can be made to tautly adhere to the skin of the facialperiphery without coming into contact with the hair to which a generalhair medicant has been applied. Therefore, compared to conventionalmethods by which hair caps cover from above, not only can it be wornwithout worrying about a hair medicant adhering to the face, as withconventional haircaps, it is not necessary to put hair protruding fromthe periphery of the caps back inside the caps, so it is extremely easyto wear.

Further, in the case that the size of cover 1 is enlarged to a size thatcovers the upper half of the body of the wearer, when a general hairmedicant is to be applied to the hair, it becomes a cape for preventingspillage. What's more, since the hair can be kept in bag portion 3 whilethe general hair medicant can be applied, cover 1 is highly safe andprevents stains to the surroundings. What's more, by extending hem 1 aof draping portion 4 and spreading it over the table, even if the hairmedicant drips onto the table when dyeing, it is of no concern and thegeneral hair medicant can be applied. In addition, because the lengthand width are sufficient to cope with the movements of the wearer when ahair medicant is being applied, there is no worry that hem 1 a will falloff table T. What's more, as for hair medicants dripping from the hair,after being collected in the inverted triangular pyramid of bag portion3, since a small hole in the lower end can be opened to collect it, hairmedicants that are smooth and of low viscosity can be used. Further, ifthe medicants adhere to the inside of bag portion 3, they will be wipedoff and then covered, and as bag portion 3 is an inverted triangularpyramid and bundled draping portion 4 is included in bag portion 3, itis possible to easily softly enwrap the hair in its entirety.

<Basic Form 3 of the Cover>

It is a defining characteristic of the given cover that it have the formbelow, shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 31 . As given in Basic Form 2 of thecover, along the ridgeline of the shoulders of the wearer, which is theboundary between the previously mentioned bag portion 3 and drapingportion 4, perforations are cut from the right and left edges of thegiven cover in the direction of the through-hole, but not reaching it.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 34 , from the left and right ends ofgiven cover 1 toward through-hole 2 at the boundary between bag portion3 and draping portion 4, a notch 5 is cut. The position of notch 5, whencover 1 is worn as a cape, is a location along the ridgeline of theshoulder. Further, as for the depth of the cut, it is about ⅓ to ½ ofthe distance D from the left and right edges d toward the edge ofthrough-hole 2. With inserted notch 5, when cover 1 is worn, the leftand right ends of bag portion 3 are separated from the left and rightends of draping portion 4, so that opening 30 of draping bag portion 3,as shown in FIG. 35 , can open more widely. Specifically, when cover 1is thin, when bag portion 3 drapes, it is difficult to hold bag portion3 open as an inverted triangular pyramid, however, given this insertednotch 5, even if cover 1 is thinner and weaker, bag portion 3 can beheld as an inverted triangular pyramid. It should be noted, notch 5 ispreferably provided on both shoulders, but the same effect can beobtained by providing notch 5 on only one shoulder.

Further, as will be described later, draping portion 4 also may beformed in the shape of an inverted triangular pyramid similar to bagportion 3, and the same bag portion may be draped over the abdominalside to receive general hair medicants.

Further, in FIG. 34 , in a flat state, opening 30 of bag portion 3profiles an arc shape, but it is not always necessary to make an arc, itis sufficient to cut only a straight line along the ridgeline of theshoulder to around the middle. Further, when this bag portion 3 or tipportion 31, as shown in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 , is formed of a thicksheet, then when bag portion 3 is expanded into an inverted triangularpyramid or covers the head, bag portion 3 or tip portion 31 of theinverted triangular pyramid can be maintained by the materials strengthof bag portion 3 or tip portion 31.

Even for this form of cover 1, the method of use is as describedpreviously, but, in particular, when bag portion 3 covers the head, itbecomes a triangular hat and does not lose its shape easily, so,crumpled on the head, draping portion 4 can be wrapped more easily, andthere is the advantage that plenty of air can be contained in bagportion 3 regardless of whether it is covering the head or draping overthe back.

The previously explained cover 1 and the following cover 1, can both befolded, so when they are stored in a box, as shown in FIG. 38 , they arestored in box Ba in a folded and stacked state. Alternatively, as shownin FIG. 39 , a plurality of covers 1 arranged in a strip shape are woundin a roll shape and stored in box Bb so that they can be pulled out.When thus done, as shown in FIG. 38 , they are used like tissueindividually pulled out from the opening of box Ba. Further, in FIG. 39, an individual cover 1 can be pulled out from the roll stored in boxBb, like film wrap, and separated by perforation 6 formed at theboundary with the next cover 1 ready for use.

<Basic Form 4 of the Cover>

As for cover 1 up to this point, one face is bag portion 3 and the otheris a flat draping portion 4, however, as for the following cover 1, thedraping portion 4 is also made into a bag, and when the head of thewearer is passed through through-hole 2 provided in about the center ofcover 1, as shown in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44 , it is of such structure thatthe upper-half of the body of the wearer, not including the arms of thewearer, can be covered by the abdominal portion 3 a of the cover and theback portion 3 b of the cover. In addition, as shown in FIG. 45 , whenabdominal bag portion 3 a is lifted up exposing the face of the wearerprotruding from through-hole 2, then, as shown in FIG. 46 , theperipheral edge of through-hole 2 stretches and adheres tautly to theskin of the facial periphery of the wearer from along the nape, underthe ears, to along the forehead. The state of the abdominal bag portion3 a and the back bag portion 3 b are sufficiently large to cover thehead of the wearer.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 45 , in the state that the face of thewearer is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, abdominal bag portion3 a covers the head, and if back bag portion 3 b is lifted up and coversit, the front and back bag portions 3 a and 3 b can enwrap the hair inits entirety. In this case, if each bag portion 3 a and 3 b is made intoa triangular pyramid, the tip of the triangular pyramid becomesnon-slip, and each bag portion 3 a and 3 b can cover the hair withoutslipping. Therefore, as compared with the case where one face is a sheetand the other is a bag portion, since both bag portions 3 a and 3 bcover the head as ordinary hoods do, they can remain on the head, so oneperson alone can easily enwrap the hair.

When each bag portion 3 a and 3 b, as in the state shown in FIG. 41 islaid flat, each becomes an isosceles triangular bag with an open base,and while being worn, as shown in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44 , they becomeopened bases of inverse triangular pyramid bag portions 3 a and 3 b. Byplacing bag portions 3 a and 3 b to symmetrically sandwich through-hole2, one is as the abdominal bag portion 3 a and the other is as the backbag portion 3 b. As for this cover 1, when respective bag portions 3 aand 3 b of schema 1 are pinched and lifted, it becomes a rectangular baghaving an open upper portion, as shown in FIG. 42 . For that reason, asfor this cover 1, by dividing a rectangular plastic bag into two partsalong the center line, it can be easily manufactured. What's more, eachbag portion 3 a and 3 b, when a general hair medicant has been appliedto the hair, can catch any dripping hair medicant and, after themedicant has been applied, they become a cap to cover the hair, and so,the shape of bag portion 3 does not need to be an inverted triangularpyramid. For example, either one or other or both of the respective bagportions 3 a and 3 b in FIG. 41 may be rectangular bags.

<Basic Form 5 of the Cover>

As for FIG. 47 , it shows an external perspectival view of basic form 5of cover 1, and as for FIG. 48 , it is an illustration of this cover 1being worn and seen from behind. This basic form 5 of cover 1, as shownin FIG. 47 and FIG. 48 , in the vicinity of the shoulders, in whichstate of cover 1 one bag portion 3 a drapes over the abdominal side ofthe wearer, and the other bag portion 3 b drapes over the back of thewearer, notches 32 are formed from both left and right ends toward theinside of cover 1. When cover 1 has no notch 32, when the wearer bendsforward or extends an arm forward, opening 30 of bag portion 3 b on theback closes, and the hair falling from the shoulders cannot be gatheredin bag portion 3 b. However, by inserting notch 32, as shown in FIG. 48, since opening 30 of bag portion 3 b on the back greatly expands andopens, hair that drapes over the back can be gathered inside bag portion3 b without the wearer looking in a mirror. Therefore, it is preferablethat notch 32 is provided on the vertical line passing through edge 21of through-hole 2 reaching the nape of the wearer. Further, when notch32 is formed, on the back bag portion 3 b a collar-like folded portion33 is formed, so in the case that abdominal bag portion 3 a is coveredby back bag portion 3 b, there is the advantage that it fits well.

<Basic Form 6 of the Cover>

Basic Form 4 and Basic Form 5 of cover 1, by dividing a rectangularplastic bag into two parts at the center line, can be easilymanufactured, but as for the material of through-hole 2, it shrinksslightly after expansion, but it does not return to its original size,so it is difficult to use repeatedly. Therefore, cover 1 formed of apolyethylene material, or the like, is assumed to be disposable.However, recently, there has been a demand for the reduction of plasticwaste, and in order to meet that demand, it must be reusable. The cover1 shown in FIG. 49 is an example of a cover 1 that can meet this demand.

As shown in FIG. 49 , this cover 1 is composed of a thick rectangularsheet 10 and a smaller, thin rectangular sheet 11, and in the centralportion of thick sheet 10, a large through-hole 20 through which thehead can easily pass through is opened. In addition, the upper and lowerhalves of both short sides of thick sheet 10 have attached fasteners 32a and 32 b, respectively. Fasteners 32 a and 32 b, for example, aresurface fasteners or chucks that can be freely opened and closed. Inaddition, the four corners of thick sheet 10 are folded in the directionof the arrows along the diagonal fold lines 34, as shown by the dottedlines in FIG. 49 , and the overlapping short sides of the upper half andthe short sides of the lower half are connected by fasteners 32 a and 32b, and this creates the shape of cover 1 shown in FIG. 41 . In this way,when thick sheet 10 is washed or dried, fasteners 32 a and 32 b areuncoupled to form a single sheet 10, and this promotes drying and makessheet 10 easy to use. It can also be used as a cape for haircuts forchildren.

Further, in the substantially central part of thick sheet 10, athrough-hole 2 having a size that allows the head of a wearer to tautlypass through may be provided, but when it is repeatedly used, becausethrough-hole 2 stretches and might not tautly adhere to the skin of thefacial periphery, for example, a 30 cm² thin sheet 11 which can bestretched by hand, can be separately prepared, and in the central partof sheet 11, a second through-hole 2 a having a size that allows thehead of a wearer to tautly pass through may be provided. Further, as forthe outer peripheral section of second through-hole 2 a, for example,thin sheet 11, as the quadrangle shown in the case of FIG. 49 , theperipheral section of that sheet 11 is provided a bonding material 12,such as an adhesive material or a double-sided tape or the like.

In addition, then, thin sheet 11 is placed over large through-hole 20 ofthick sheet 10, and both are joined by bonding material 12. At thistime, second through-hole 2 a of thin sheet 11 and large through-hole 20of thick sheet 10 overlap and are coaxially joined. In this way, even ifsecond through-hole 2 a is stretched by use, thick sheet 10 can berepeatedly used by replacing it with a new thin sheet 11.

As for thick sheet 10, for example, it can be made of a material such aspolyethylene, polyester, or polyurethane. Further, thin sheet 11 can beformed of, for example, a thin polyethylene sheet that can be stretchedby hand. However, the present invention is not limited to thesematerials, and thin sheet 11 may be made of, for example, a thin rubbersheet for medical use.

For genuine practical use, for thick sheet 10 a plurality of thin sheets11 are prepared, and a release sheet is provided for the bondingmaterial 12 provided for the outer periphery of second through-hole 2 aof thin sheet 11. At the time of use, the release sheet is peeled off soas to cover through-hole 20 of thick sheet 10 so that it can be bonded.In this way, thick sheet 10 can be repeatedly used by replacing andusing thin sheet 11.

<Invention of the Method of Use of Basic Form 4>

When using cover 1 of FIG. 41 and FIG. 47 , bag portions 3 a and 3 bwith their respective open parts 30, should face upward, and the head ofthe wearer passed through through-hole 2 of cover 1. So doing, as shownin FIG. 43 , FIG. 44 , and FIG. 48 , bag portions 3 a and 3 b with theirupper parts open drape separately on the abdominal side and the backside of the wearer. So cover 1 becomes a cape for preventing spillage.In this state, after a general hair medicant has been applied, such ashair dye or treatment, and the like, as shown in FIG. 45 , by liftingbag portion 3 a draping over the abdominal side, the face of the weareris exposed protruding through through-hole 2. During this time, the napeside of through-hole 2 is stretched and bundled, and the front side ofthrough-hole 2 is pushed and stretched by the face, and as shown in FIG.46 , the state of its stretched surface is of taut adherence to the skinof the facial periphery. At this time, the tightening force ofthrough-hole 2 is not so strong as to cause discomfort, and bystretching and becoming thinner through-hole 2 tautly adheres to theskin with appropriate strength and with appropriate width.

To continue, as shown in FIG. 50 , either one or other of back bagportion 3 b covers hair sticking out from abdominal bag portion 3 acovering the head, or, as shown in FIG. 51 , bag portion 3 a coveringthe head, by being covered by back bag portion 3 b enwraps the hair inits entirety.

As shown in FIG. 49 , cover 1 composed of thick sheet 10 and thin sheet11, can enwrap the hair in its entirety by the same procedure. Duringthis time, because bag portions 3 a and 3 b, respectively, are formedfrom thick sheet 11, the respective open parts 30 of bag portions 3 aand 3 b are left open without being closed, so that they can catch ageneral hair medicant, and the back bag portion 3 b can catch hair inthe back. Further, after the hair medicant has been applied, as shown inFIG. 45 , if bag portion 3 a draping over the abdominal side is liftedup, and the face of the wearer is exposed protruding from secondthrough-hole 2 a, then abdominal bag portion 3 a enters a state ofenwrapping the hair, and if back bag portion 3 b is lifted up over tocover the head, the hair in its entirety can easily be enwrapped.

Further, when cover 1 shown in FIG. 41 is used, the state in which thehair is enwrapped, as shown in FIG. 50 , since the left and rightprotruding portions 34 obstruct, then as shown in FIG. 52 , the left andright protruding portions 34 may be tied at the back, and as shown inFIG. 53 , may be rotated to the front and tied under the chin. As aresult, cover 1 enwrapping the hair, can be compactly contained.

[Results of the Invention]

According to the present invention, instead of covering the head fromabove like conventional hair caps, from the state in which the upperhalf of the wearer's body is covered like a cape, the cover draping overthe abdomen is lifted up to expose the face protruding from athrough-hole, and without touching a general hair medicant that has beenapplied to the hair, the peripheral edge of the through-hole from thenape to along the forehead tautly adheres to the facial periphery.Moreover, in that state, the draping cover is turned inside out andcovers the hair, so even if a general hair medicant, or the like, sticksto the outer surface of the cover, it will be turned over and trappedinside the cover, so the outer surface of the cover enwrapping the haircan always retain a clean state.

Further, when enwrapping the hair with the cover, either the onecrumpled part of the cover that has a size large enough to drape over atleast the abdomen and back is covered over by the other part of thecover, and thus enwrapping the hair in its entirety, or one part of thecover is overlaid, and since it enwraps the hair in its entirety,between the part of the cover touching the hair and the part of thecover covering over that part, air is contained, and that air becomes aheat insulator. Compared to conventional hair caps or film wraps, it hasexcellent heat and moisture retention properties, and can better promotethe penetrating effect of a general hair medicant.

Further, the air contained by the hair-covering cover is warmed by thescalp temperature to make the hair temperature uniform, so inconsistentdyeing, uneven coloring, and the like, that are likely to occur due totemperature differences can be eliminated. Further, when hairlines withlarge amounts of undyed portions are gently pressed from the top ofcover 1, the general hair medicant can be kept very close to thehairline. Therefore, by using this cover, even an amateur can dye hairalmost flawlessly.

Further, when the head is passed through the through-hole, the cover canwidely drape over the abdomen and back of the wearer, and it canfunction as a cape preventing spillage when a general hair medicant isbeing applied to the hair. Further, with a cover that has a bag portion,the hair can be kept inside the bag portion and a general hair medicantcan be applied, so even if the general hair medicant scatters or dripsfrom the hair, it is kept in the bag portion and prevented fromscattering onto the surroundings. What's more, since any general hairmedicant dripping from the hair can be collected in the “conical bag”and a small hole can then be opened at the lower end to gather it,pouring applications, and the like, of general hair medicants on thehair become possible.

Further, since both sides of the cover when worn as a cape are wide openlike shoulder sleeves, wearers themselves can raise both their arms anddye their hair. Moreover, as for the cover with the head passed throughthe through-hole, centered on the neck, the bag portion can be rotatedto either the abdominal part or the back part, so the cover can be usedaccording to the preference of the user. In addition, since the coverwith the head passed through the through-hole does not slip off, itbecomes a household cover in which the hair can be dyed alone withoutdirtying the surroundings.

Further, as for the cover, it is made of a thin synthetic resin sheetthat stretches when pulled, and in particular, by exposing the faceprotruding from a through-hole that is smaller than the head, since theperiphery of the through-hole can tautly adhere to the facial peripheryof the wearer, from the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead,even if liquid drips because a general hair medicant has been applied tothe hair, the cover has the effect of preventing it from leaking to theface or nape. Moreover, since the peripheral edge of the stretchedthrough-hole is not so strong as to cause discomfort, the cover can beleft for a long time without feeling uncomfortable.

What's more, as for this cover, when it is in a folded state, it becomesa flat, almost rectangular shape, so it can be mass-producedinexpensively from a belt-shaped film and can be disposed of, so thereis no need to wash it like conventional hair caps. Therefore, for beautysalons and barbers, usability is improved, and to customers it ishygienic and pleasant.

In addition, the through-hole that tautly adheres to the facialperiphery, tautly adheres to the skin with appropriate tension andappropriate width, so even if a worn T-shirt is removed, the cover doesnot slip off with it, and, therefore, when a button-down shirt isforgotten to be worn and hair-dyeing has already started, the task canproceed without fuss.

What's more, if the hem of the cover that drapes over the abdomen isextended, then when worn as a cape, since the extended hem can be spreadover a table, the cover not only covers the abdomen, it also functionsas a stain-prevention sheet for the table.

FIG. 1 A plane view of the cover according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 A plane view of another form of the cover according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 A plane view of the cover according to still another form of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 An explanatory diagram when the hem of the cover of FIG. 3 isextended and spread over a table.

FIG. 5 Illustration of the state of the head passed through thethrough-hole of the cover in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 Illustration of the appearance of the face exposed protrudingfrom the through-hole.

FIG. 7 Illustration showing the face exposed protruding from thethrough-hole.

FIG. 8 Illustration with the face exposed protruding from thethrough-hole.

FIG. 9 Illustration of the state showing the periphery of thethrough-hole tautly adhering to the face.

FIG. 10 A plane view of a cover having through-holes of another form.

FIG. 11 A plane view of the cover with the through-hole opened andclosed.

FIG. 12 Illustration with clips holding fast the ends of the bag thatcovers the draping part.

FIG. 13 Illustration of a state in which the abdominal cover covers thehair.

FIG. 14 Illustration of the left and right sides of the cover in thestate of FIG. 13 are folded at the center.

FIG. 15 Illustration of the lower end of the cover of FIG. 14 lifted tothe top of the head.

FIG. 16 Illustration of the lower end of the cover of FIG. 14 lifted,and the cheeks crowned.

FIG. 17 Illustration of the left and right ends tied under the chin ofthe crowned cheeks of FIG. 16 .

FIG. 18 Illustration of the cover of FIG. 14 lifted to the shoulders andcovering them like a shawl

FIG. 19 An illustration of the draping portion of the cover in FIG. 25draping over the abdomen.

FIG. 20 Illustration of the bag portion of the cover in FIG. 25 drapingover the back.

FIG. 21 Illustration of lifting the draping part in FIG. 19 , exposingthe face protruding from the through-hole.

FIG. 22 Illustration of the draping portion of FIG. 19 placed on thehead.

FIG. 23 Illustration of the through-holes in FIG. 21 tautly adhering tothe face.

FIG. 24 Illustration of the bag portion of FIG. 23 put over the drapingportion of the head.

FIG. 25 A plane view of the cover of FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 .

FIG. 26 Illustration of a bag portion lifted from the abdomen over thedraping portion of the head.

FIG. 27 Illustration of the draping portion on the head being covered bya bag portion lifted up from the abdomen.

FIG. 28 Explanatory view of another way of wrapping the hair with thecover of FIG. 25 .

FIG. 29 Illustration of the left and right upper edges of the cover ofFIG. 28 being twisted and closed.

FIG. 30 Illustration of the twisted tip of FIG. 29 held fast by a clip.

FIG. 31 A plane view of a cover in which a loop is provided instead ofthe clip of FIG. 30 .

FIG. 32 Illustration of a bag portion draping over the abdomen is liftedand covering the hair.

FIG. 33 Illustration of both ends of the bag portion in FIG. 32 are tiedunder the chin.

FIG. 34 A plane view of the cover of FIG. 25 in which a notch isprovided.

FIG. 35 Illustration with the cover in FIG. 34 attached.

FIG. 36 A plane view of a form in which a part of the bag portion ofFIG. 34 is thickened.

FIG. 37 An external perspectival view showing the form of the cover withthe cover of FIG. 36 attached.

FIG. 38 Explanatory view of folding the cover according to the presentinvention, stacking the covers, and packaging them in a box.

FIG. 39 Explanatory view when the cover according to the presentinvention wound in a roll shape is taken out from the box.

FIG. 40 Illustration of ties 9 separated from the bag portion 3.

FIG. 41 An external explanatory view of the cover placed horizontally.

FIG. 42 An external view of the cover shown in FIG. 41 in a verticalposition.

FIG. 43 Illustration viewed from the front with the head passed throughthe through-hole in the cover.

FIG. 44 Illustration of the side cover of the attached cover in FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 Illustration showing how the face is exposed protruding from thethrough-hole.

FIG. 46 Illustration showing the state with peripheral edge ofthrough-hole tautly adhering to the face.

FIG. 47 An external perspectival view of a cover according to a secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 Illustration from the back when the cover of FIG. 47 is used asa cape.

FIG. 49 Blow-up view of the cover according to form 5 of the presentinvention.

FIG. 50 Illustration of the hair enwrapped with a cover according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 51 Illustration of the back bag portion of FIG. 50 is furthercovered on the head.

FIG. 52 Illustration of the left and right parts of FIG. 50 connected atthe rear side.

FIG. 53 Illustration of the state where the left and right parts of FIG.50 are tied under the chin.

FIG. 54 An external perspectival view of another form of the coveraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 55 An external perspectival view of a modified form of the covershown in FIG. 54

MODE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a form of the cover of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to drawings. It should be noted that thefollowing description focuses on points that have not been describedthus far.

As for cover 1, it can have various forms, but as for through-hole 2, itis of a size that allows the head of a wearer to tautly pass through,and while the front side of cover 1 is lifted up and exposes the faceprotruding from through-hole 2, it must be of such shape that theperipheral edge of through-hole 2 stretches and tautly adheres to thefacial periphery of the wearer from the nape, under the ears, to alongthe forehead. In this way, as a thin sheet having extensibility, thereare plastic bags formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like.So, using plastic bags, to determine which extents of elasticity haveappropriate strengths for tautly adhering to the facial periphery,experiments were conducted using plastic bags of various thicknesses.

During these experiments, transparent and translucent plastic bags withthicknesses of 0.008 mm, 0.015 mm, 0.025 mm, and 0.03 mm were purchased,and in each through-holes with circumferences of 38 cm were formed. Asfor the sizes of the through-holes through which the head of the wearerpasses (including hair), they were 53 cm, and as for theircircumferences for the face exposed protruding from the through-holesfrom the nape, under the ear, to along the forehead, they were 56 cm.Under these conditions, experiments were conducted in which the head waspassed through a through-hole having a circumference of 38 cm and theface was exposed protruding from the through-hole. The results are shownin Table 1.

TABLE 1 Sheet thickness (unit mm) Transparent sheet Translucent sheet0.008 The tightening force is weak Tightening force is stronger thantransparent sheet 0.015 The tightening force is weak, The tighteningforce is stronger but there is no feeling of than the transparent sheet,but tightening. there is no feeling of tightening 0.025 The tighteningforce is The tightening force is a little moderate, and you can wear itstrong, but if the wearer without complications becomes accustomed, toit, it can be worn without complications 0.030 Tightening force isstrong, so it The tightening force is strong, can be worn without and ifthe circumference of the complications through-hole is expanded to 40cm, the strength will be moderate.

From this experiment, as for cover 1 made from a plastic bag,transparent sheets stretch better than translucent sheets and haveexcellent adhesion, but since translucent sheets have high rigidity, andwhen crumpled form an internal air layer, they can be said to haveexcellent heat retention. Therefore, when the room temperature is lowand greater heat retention is desired, the translucent sheet ispreferable, and when the room temperature is high and heat retention isnot important, the transparent sheet is preferable. Also, if thethickness of the sheet is at least 0.04 mm, a considerable resistance isfelt when a face is exposed protruding from through-hole 2, so whenusing a thick sheet, it is necessary to adjust through-hole 2 toaccommodate head size.

It should be noted, the plastic bags used here, are only one example,but, for example, they could be of EVA resin (ethylene vinyl acetatecopolymer) which is excellent in flexibility and rubber elasticity, or apolyethylene sheet or the like to which EVA resin has been added;however, these are different in thickness and elasticity also, soappropriate ones may be selected from them.

Further, respecting distinguishing characteristics, there is also amethod for using two covers 1 with different thicknesses. For example, atransparent cover 1 with thickness of 0.008 mm and a translucent cover 1with thickness of 0.025 mm can be prepared, and the former thin cover 1with the form of cover 1 shown in FIG. 1 , and the latter thick cover 1with the form of cover 1 shown in FIG. 25 , FIG. 31 or FIG. 34 , or FIG.36 . After the head of a wearer is passed through through-hole 2 ofthick cover 1, on top of it the head of the wearer is passed through thesecond-layer through-hole 2 of thin cover 1. In this state, after ageneral hair medicant has been applied, when the face is exposedprotruding from thorough-hole 2 of thin cover 1, and then the face isexposed protruding from through-hole 2 of thick cover 1, it enters astate in which the facial periphery is double-layered with through-hole2 of cover 1. In this state, when thin cover 1 is crumpled and put onthe head, and then thick cover 1 is put on top of it, it can bettermaintain the warmth and moisture inside cover 1, and because thick cover1 is covering it, becomes a cover 1 that easily enwraps the hair and hasa high heat insulation property.

Further, depending on where through-hole 2 of cover 1 is placed, whenused as a cape, it can be used in various ways. For example, if bagportion 3 is longer than draping portion 4, then, as shown in FIG. 20 ,long hair can be kept in bag portion 3 in order to apply a general hairmedicant, so, it can be used as a cape for long hair. Further, whenindividuals dye hair at home, they often bend forward and apply it whilelooking at the mirror, so the form in which short bag portion 3 drapesover the abdomen and long draping portion 4 drapes over the back can beadopted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25 , when bag portion 3 covers the head of thewearer and along the edge “a” that touches the forehead of the wearer,if ties 9 that are partially separable in the left-right direction areprovided, then while bag portion 3 covers the head ties 9 can keep itstationary.

Here, as for what partially separable means, base 9 a of ties 9 isactually part of bag portion 3, and the other portions can beappropriately separated from bag portion 3. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 25 , a cut is made in advance at the perforation 9 b along the edge“a” of bag portion 3, after the perforation 9 b is cut off to form ties9, if the longitudinal perforations 9 c in the central portion of ties9, is separated into left and right parts, as shown in FIG. 40 , ties 9can be taken out in the left and right directions from both sides of thefront edge “a” of bag portion 3.

As for ties 9 keeping bag portion 3 stationary on the head, ties 9 (seeFIG. 40 ) are separated from bag portion 3 and tied, for example, in thevicinity of the nape, or under the chin; when this is done, bag portion3 that covers the hair is stationary. Further, when bag portion 3draping over the back is lifted up toward 3, the left and right ties 9are held and pulled up, and even an elderly person can cover the headalone with bag portion 3.

Further, in the case of being used in beauty salons or barber shops,because cover 1 would be worn by the customer over a cloth or cape toprevent spillage, it is not necessary to use cover 1 as a cape, and thisdepends on the provisions of the service, a perm lot for the hair, awater-repellent paper for a straight perm that is worn, and the like, ora weaving foil, and the like, are attached to the hair. Sometimes, thehair is left to drape down naturally, additionally, after a general hairmedicant has been applied, because of a time-difference method, acorrection of a treatment, the use of a moist heat accelerator or a dryheat accelerator, for bag portion 3 and draping portion 4 a size thatcan enwrap various devices (perm lot, and the like) attached to the headis preferable. Therefore, when cover 1 is commercialized, in accordancewith hair lengths and purposes, positions of through-hole 2 and forms,bag portions, and draping portions in respective forms, it is preferableto prepare several covers 1 of different sizes and thicknesses and thelike.

In beauty salons and barber shops, even when a general hair medicant isbeing applied, the hair medicant spills or splashes when the hair iscombed, and the medicant can be collected in the inverted triangularpyramid draping over the back, and the medicant accidentally sticking tothe surroundings can be prevented. In addition, as for bag portion 3,since it is flexible and malleable, depending on the standing area ofthe service provider, the respective service itself, bag portion 3 bechanged into a variety of shapes and overall serviceability can beimproved.

As for conventional capes for preventing spills and smudges, theyprevent general hair medicants from adhering to customers, but whensticking to the capes or service providers themselves, they cannotprevent secondary contamination. For example, since service providerswork within the immediate vicinity around customers while applyinggeneral hair medicants, while actually providing the service, the hairmedicants stick to capes and hair and are touched, and without noticingany general hair medicants sticking to themselves, they continueproviding the service. In these cases, as for the hair medicantssticking to service providers themselves, they have caused unexpectedaccidents in which they stick to customers or the surroundings.

Further, in the case that liquids of general hair medicants are pouredover the hair kept in bag portion 3 draping over the back, since generalhair medicants dripping from the hair can be collected in the tipportion of the inverted triangular pyramid, the tip portion can be cut,and from the tip can be collected into a bowel. Further, after generalhair medicants have been applied, and the cut tip portion folded andtwisted, then according as either tape, a clip, or the like securelycloses it, bag portion 3 with closed aperture is usable.

In the case of conventional perms, a U-shaped bowl is used to collectperming agents that are poured onto the hair. As for this bowl, hangingfrom left to right under the ear along the nape, it is a tautly adheringU-shaped container that hangs on the shoulders of the customer tocollect the dripping perming agents, and after that, by a hair cap orfilm wrap the hair is enwrapped; however, if this cover 1 is used, theU-shaped bowl becomes unnecessary, and the labor for attaching anddetaching the bowl becomes unnecessary. In addition, as proper use ofthese tools while providing service becomes unnecessary, service time isreduced and, not only for customers, but for service providers as well,burdens also are reduced.

Further, in beauty salons and barbers, to prevent spills and smudges, acloak-like cloth with an opening at the back is used to cover thecustomer. However, when the customer moves or bends forward, theoverlapping cloth draped over the back opens, and as a result, thegeneral hair medicant sticking to the cloth sticks to clothes, and soforth, but if cover 1 is used, such accidents can be prevented.

What's more, since the peripheral edge of through-hole 2 tautly adheresto the facial periphery, given the hair enwrapped by cover 1, even if aworn T-shirt that does not open at the front, or the like, is removed,cover 1 does not slip off with it. In addition, in the bathroom, whenshampooing, if the top portion of cover 1 is gripped and pulled upward,through-hole 2 slips off of the head, and because the general hairmedicant is inside cover 1, nothing adheres to the hands or thesurroundings, so even after removal, according as cover 1 is rolled up,because the general hair medicant can be prevented from leaking, afterthe service of a general hair medicant application, accidents of theadherence of a general hair medicant can be prevented.

Further, in beauty salons, barbers, and the like, customers are guidedto shampoo stations, and situated for shampooing, and dips, pins, andthe like holding cover 1 fast are removed, and if cover 1 is pulledhorizontally, cover 1 can be removed from inside the shampoo sink, sothere is no risk of contaminating the surroundings. In addition, in thecase that a perm lot, water-repellent paper, and the like has beenapplied to the hair, before cover 1 is removed, and bag portion 3 anddraping portion 4 are opened in the shampoo sink, and the perm lot andthe like are removed, cover 1 may be removed. Accordingly, at the timewhen the customer is moved to the shampoo station, and the like, or whencover 1 is removed, accidents related to adherence of a general hairmedicant can be prevented. What's more, because no hair medicant adheresto the conventional neck-rest of the shampoo sink supporting thecustomer's nape, reverse bending of the hair due to the re-adhesion ofthe general hair medicant near the nape can be eliminated, and shampootimes can be reduced.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

-   1 cover-   2 through-holes-   3 bags-   3 a abdominal bag portion-   3 b back side bag portion-   4 draping portion-   5 cut-   6 perforations-   8 stopper-   9 tie

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of use of a cover having a through-holein a substantially central portion of the cover, comprising the stepsof: providing a cover formed of a thin synthetic resin sheet having acenter line along a longitudinal direction thereof, the cover beinglarge enough to cover at least both shoulders and the abdomen of thewearer; defining a through-hole in the cover at the center line, thethrough-hole having a peripheral edge, and of a size that a head of awearer tautly passes through; and defining a front cover portion and aback cover portion of the cover with a border between the front coverportion and the back cover portion.
 2. The method according to claim 1,wherein when the front cover portion draping over the abdomen is liftedup and the face of the wearer exposed protruding from the through-hole,the peripheral edge of the through-hole stretches and thins, such thatthe peripheral edge of the thin synthetic resin sheet defining the athrough-hole tautly adheres to the facial periphery of the wearerreaching along the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead, andwherein, the front portion of the cover lifted up from the abdomen tocover the head is made large enough to enwrap the hair in its entirety.3. The method according to claim 1, whereby the cover covers at leastboth shoulders and the abdomen of the wearer, and after applying ageneral hair medicant to the hair of the wearer, then in that stateleaving the back cover portion as is, lifting up the front cover portionso as to expose the face of the wearer protruding from the through-hole,whereby the peripheral edge of the through-hole stretches and thins,such that the peripheral edge of the thin synthetic resin sheet definingthe through-hole tautly adheres to the facial periphery of the wearerreaching along the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead, andwherein, the front portion of the cover lifted up from the abdomen tocover the head is made large enough to enwrap the hair in its entirety.4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the respective draping overthe abdomen and back of the wearer, forms a bag portion having an openupper section, and the other portion of the cover being a flatly drapingportion, with the periphery of the bag portion in contact with theforehead of the wearer, and covering the head of the wearer with the bagportion.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein before a generalhair medicant is applied to the hair of the wearer, in the state thatthe bag portion has its open upper section facing upward, the upper halfof the body of the wearer is covered.
 6. The method according to claim5, wherein when the general hair medicant has been applied to the hairof the wearer, then the bag portion lifted upward toward the head withthe draping portion lifted upward and forward provides a statecontaining air with enwrapped hair.
 7. The method according to claim 6,wherein with the cover draping over at least both shoulders and theabdomen of the wearer, after the general hair medicant has been appliedto the hair of the wearer, then tying any protruding bag portion to thehead of the wearer.
 8. The method according to claim 6, providing theopen side of the bag portions facing up, after the general hair medicanthas been applied to the hair of the wearer, with the bag portion drapingover the abdomen lifted upward having the bag portion protruding in theleft-to-right direction from the wearer to be tied either in the back orin the front under the chin.
 9. A method of use of a cover having athrough-hole in a substantially central portion of the cover, comprisingthe steps of: tautly passing a wearer's head into the through-hole ofthe cover by positioning the through-hole over the head of the wearerwith the cover being pulled thin so as to stretch the through-hole largeenough to allow the wearer's head to tautly pass through; providing afront cover portion to drape over both shoulders and the abdomen of thewearer; providing a back cover portion to drape over the wearer'sbackside; forming the front and back cover portions into bag portionswith upper open sections, and additionally, when the bag portion of theabdominal side is lifted upward to expose the face of the wearerprotruding from the through-hole, whereby the peripheral edge of thethrough-hole stretches and thins, such that the peripheral edge of thethin synthetic resin sheet defining the through-hole tautly adheres tothe facial periphery of the wearer reaching along the nape, under theears, to along the forehead, and wherein, the front portion of the coverlifted up from the abdomen to cover the head is made large enough toenwrap the hair in its entirety.
 10. The method according to claim 9,wherein when the head of the wearer has been passed through thethrough-hole, the respective bag portions cover the abdomen and the backof the wearer, in the vicinity of both shoulders of the wearer.
 11. Themethod according to claim 9, wherein along the periphery of the bagportions in contact with the forehead of the wearer, when the bagportion covers the head of the wearer, in order to affix the bag portionto the head.
 12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising thestep of applying a general hair medicant to the hair of the wearer, whenthe upper open section of the bag portion faces upward, the head ispassed through the through-hole, and one or other of the bag portion orthe draping portion, drapes over the abdomen of the wearer, and theother drapes over the back of the wearer, and the cover thus drape overthe upper half of the body of the wearer.
 13. The method according toclaim 12, wherein when the general hair medicant has been applied to thehair of the wearer, then while the bag portion that drapes over theabdomen is lifted upward and forward and the face of the wearer isexposed protruding from the through-hole.
 14. A cover consisting of: athin synthetic resin formed as a sheet that can be stretched by hand; athrough-hole consisting of a peripheral edge defined in the thinsynthetic resin sheet; a front cover portion and a back cover portiondefined by the thin synthetic resin sheet, the peripheral edge of thethrough-hole of a size that the head of the wearer tautly passes throughformed on the center line along the longitudinal direction of the cover,such that when the head of the wearer is passed through thethrough-hole, the cover becomes large enough to cover at least bothshoulders and the abdomen of the wearer, and in that state leaving aback cover portion as is, when the front cover portion draping over theabdomen is lifted up, and the face of the wearer is exposed andprotrudes through the hole, wherein the peripheral edge of thethrough-hole stretches and thins, such that the peripheral edge of thethin synthetic resin sheet tautly adheres to the facial periphery of thewearer reaching along the nape, under the ears, to along the forehead,and wherein, the front cover portion is made large enough to enwrap thehair in its entirety.
 15. The cover according to claim 14, wherein thehead of a wearer is passed through the through-hole of the cover, andthe cover drapes over at least both shoulders and the abdomen of thewearer, allowing for application of a general hair medicant applied onlyto the hair of the wearer.
 16. The cover according to claim 14, whereinone of either of the sides of the cover which separately drapes over theabdomen or the back of the wearer, forms a bag portion having an openupper section, and the other side of the cover is a flatly drapingportion.
 17. The cover according to claim 14, wherein one or other ofthe sides of the cover that separately drapes over the abdomen of thewearer or the back of the wearer is provided with an open upper bagportion, and the bag portion, while the peripheral edge of thethrough-hole tautly adheres to the skin of the facial periphery of thewearer.
 18. The cover according to claim 17, wherein the coverseparately drapes over the abdomen and the back of the wearer, andwherein the bag portion consists of an inverted conical bag.
 19. Thecover according to claim 17, wherein prior to the application of ageneral hair medicant to the hair of the wearer, when the upper opensection of the bag portion faces upward, the head is passed through thethrough-hole, and one or other of the bag portion or the drapingportion, drapes over the abdomen of the wearer, and the other drapesover the back of the wearer, and the cover thus drape over the upperhalf of the body of the wearer.
 20. The cover according to claim 19,wherein when a general hair medicant has been applied to the hair of thewearer, then while the bag portion that drapes over the abdomen islifted upward and forward and the face of the wearer.